Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out during a really difficult time in my life to ask for support. It’s not easy for me to do this. I’ve always been very independent, and asking for help goes against my instincts. Pride, responsibility, and years of masking have made this especially hard to share, but my current situation has made it necessary.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been going through serious medical issues that have required multiple procedures and ongoing hospitalization.

I was born with a rare condition called UPJ stenosis (a narrowing in the ureter) and underwent surgery for it as a newborn, and again this February due to severe hydronephrosis that required urgent intervention. Because of how my ureter developed with significant scar tissue, this has always been something that would eventually need to be addressed again. After the February surgery and stent placement, I spent about two weeks recovering and came very close to losing my kidney. This past week has been even more challenging. I underwent two procedures within just three days, including a stent removal and an emergency nephrostomy due to hydronephrosis recurring, and I have been hospitalized since Wednesday evening. Throughout both of these experiences, and in the context of visceral hypersensitivity, I have endured severe pain, with a constant level around 7–8/10 and spikes reaching 9–10/10.

Before I can undergo the full ureter reconstruction, I will need to go through another surgery, followed by additional procedures including another stent removal and eventually the removal of the nephrostomy bag. The reconstruction itself is a very specialized and niche surgery with only a couple of surgeons in the Seattle area who perform it, and I will likely be in and out of the hospital through at least August as this process continues.

Right now, I’m experiencing significant physical limitations. I have difficulty walking, and I’m dealing with sudden pain spikes that can be completely debilitating. Because of this, I’m unable to perform normal daily tasks or take care of responsibilities on my own. I am currently off work for an undetermined amount of time, which has made things even more stressful and uncertain.

This situation has also taken a serious psychological toll. I am autistic and live with severe CPTSD, and the stress, pain, and hospitalization have caused significant flare-ups. On top of that, since last year, things have felt even more frightening due to the political climate that targets Latinx people, which has added ongoing stress and fear into my daily life. I am also dealing with additional stressors this year, including losing my wallet, coming off strong pain medications after my February emergency surgery, and processing sexual trauma. At the moment, I’m unable to afford the therapy and support I would normally rely on to manage all of this, which has made everything even harder to cope with.

The past year has already been incredibly difficult. Last year, I lost my beloved dog, Sitka, which deeply impacted me and caused my mental health to become very severe and unsafe at times. During that period, I was also unable to work for about three months.

This year has continued to bring challenges: my car was totaled by an uninsured driver, I required emergency medical care, my wallet was lost or stolen, and I’ve been dealing with ongoing stressors including my pets becoming sick. All of this has compounded into an overwhelming situation.

I also don’t have family in the U.S., which makes navigating all of this even more difficult without a support system nearby.

At home, I have two large dogs and two cats who depend on me, and right now I’m unable to care for them by myself. Between that, rent, mounting medical bills, and basic living expenses, I’m feeling overwhelmed trying to manage everything while focusing on recovery.

I’m asking for help to cover essential costs like rent, medical expenses, and care for my pets during this time. Any support, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this, would mean so much to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read and for any kindness you can offer.

With love,

Tati, Knik, Denali, Natka, and Mishka.